As the protest intensified, opposition parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) extended their support
"This is about respecting the state's identity," said Avinash Jadhav, the Thane head of the party. He alleged that the traders' protest was politically staged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Narendra Mehta
The MNS said its march would begin at the site of the assault and end at Mehta's office. The police had denied permission for the route. However, after high drama on the streets and apparent political intervention, the morcha passed through the original route proposed by the organisers
The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, an outfit fighting for the rights of the Marathi-speaking population, has also backed the protest, criticising those who conduct business in Maharashtra but hesitate to speak Marathi
The police detained several MNS leaders during the protest rally. CM Devendra Fadnavis had clarified that the protesters were detained because they were adamant to take the route that the police had denied permission for
Several women and workers of the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) walked together, united by the Marathi cause
Many people at the spot directed their ire towards the BJP-led government, accusing it of allowing traders to take out a rally a few days back in the same area while denying permission to Marathi people
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